Coffee maker

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present invention provide improved water fill capabilities, improved coffee baskets, and improved steam diverting and management features for coffee makers used on board passenger transport vehicles.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 61/276,426, filed Sep. 11, 2009, titled “Coffee Maker,” and U.S.Ser. No. 12/879,793, filed Sep. 10, 2010 titled “Coffee Makers,” nowallowed, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to coffee makers,and specifically, to coffee makers for use on board passenger transportvehicles with space limitations. Specific embodiments are designed forparticular use in aircraft galleys. Various embodiments provide waterfill features, filter basket improvements, low water indicationfeatures, and steam management features.

BACKGROUND

In general, coffee makers used on board passenger transport vehicles,such as aircraft, are flush mounted in a cabinet or other opening. Forexample, such coffee makes are typically permanently housed or otherwisesecured in place in a cabinet or opening that is shaped and configuredto receive the coffee maker, so that the face of the coffee maker ismounted flush against the galley area. This provides particularadvantages for space and safety considerations. A typical residential oroffice use coffee maker that sits on a countertop and plugs into anoutlet is not suitable or appropriate for use on board a moving vehicle.In the event of turbulence or even a misplaced elbow or shove, a typicalcoffee maker can quickly become a projectile or present an electricalhazard to the user and passengers.

Accordingly, because coffee makers for use on passenger transportvehicles such as aircraft are flush mounted such that only the frontsurface of the coffee maker is visible and accessible, various commonfeatures must be substantially altered for safety and useconsiderations. For example, water filling is typically conducted via adirect connection to the aircraft or vehicle water supply. This isparticularly the case with coffee makers mounted on board commercialaircraft, which are plumbed directly into the aircraft's potable watertanks. However, there may be some instances when the vehicle or aircraftwater supply may be contaminated or suspect, such as when the aircraftreloads water in a country that has lower water inspection requirements.In these instances, the on-board coffee makers that are directly tied tothe water system are unusable or their use can be a dangerous healthhazard. There is not currently an appropriate solution to this problem.

Some models (particularly those for use on private jets) are designed astop fill models, which allow bottled water to be inserted directly intothe top of the coffee maker. Top fill models used on vehicles aretypically mounted below an empty or otherwise require specializedcabinetry that allow access to the top of the coffee maker or costlyslide rails that allow translation of the entire coffee maker forwardand aft to clear the cabinet and permit filling. Additional retentiondevices are also required to prevent inadvertent release of theequipment. Top fill coffee makers have limited use on board commercialaircraft due to space, time, and cabinetry considerations.

One attempted solution for commercial aircraft has been to provide anangled fill spout on the front or side of the coffee maker, into whichbottled water can be poured directly. One problem with this design isthat the spout also allows entry of dust and debris into the coffeemaker. It also creates an extra protrusion on the face (or side) of thecoffee maker, which can be detrimental when space is at a premium. Thespouts can also only accept certain size bottles, limiting their usewith water bottles of varying sizes. (For example, large mouth bottleswould not work with such spouts.) Accordingly, an alternate solution forusing bottled (or water from an external source) is needed.

Additionally, coffee makers for use on board passenger transportvehicles have other drawbacks that embodiments described herein seek toaddress. For example, coffee baskets that are used to hold coffeegrounds are typically provided as a removable item, which can causehazards as well as create hassles for use. Further, coffee makers usedon board aircraft and other passenger transport vehicles create steam,which is particularly undesirable in these instances. Steam generationcan be a particular concern when the water used in the coffee maker isnot delivered directly via the pressurized water system on board avehicle or internally generated via pump Thus, various steam management(e.g., reducing, removing, or diverting) features are needed and aredescribed herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention provide improved water fillcapabilities, improved coffee baskets, and improved steam managementfeatures.

Specific embodiments provide a coffee maker configured for use on boarda passenger transport vehicle, comprising: a water fill drawer, a tracksystem on which the water fill drawer cooperates, and a secure closuresystem. The water fill drawer may cooperate with the track system at adownward angle such that water entering the water fill drawer isdirected via gravity back toward a water reservoir of the coffee maker.The coffee maker may also feature various steam ducts.

Further embodiment provide a coffee maker configured for use on board apassenger transport vehicle, comprising: a coffee basket, a tracksystem, and a rotating hinge. The coffee basket may be configured to bepulled horizontally out on the track system and rotated sideways on therotating hinge.

Further embodiments provide a coffee maker configured for use on board apassenger transport vehicle, comprising: a lower water sensor systemconfigured to sense a low water condition and activate a shut offfeature. The low water sensor system may be a low water float.

A further embodiment relates to a coffee maker configured for use onboard a passenger transport vehicle, comprising a drip stop valvecomprising one or more curved levers.

Even further embodiments provide a coffee maker configured for use onboard a passenger transport vehicle, comprising a coffee basket used inconjunction with an insert, the insert comprising an injector configuredto contact a coffee bag and deliver water thereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of one embodiment of a coffeemaker featuring a front water fill drawer.

FIG. 2 shows a front perspective view of the coffee maker of FIG. 1 withthe water fill drawer in an open position.

FIG. 3 shows a side perspective cut away view of the coffee maker ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a top plan view of one closure mechanism for a water filldrawer.

FIG. 5 shows a top plan view of an alternate closure mechanism for awater fill drawer.

FIG. 6 shows a side perspective view of one embodiment of a coffee makerfeaturing a secured coffee basket.

FIG. 7 a side perspective cut away view of the coffee maker of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 shows a side perspective view of a coffee maker with the coffeebasket rotated out to the side.

FIG. 9 shows an alternate embodiment of a coffee basket having an insertportion.

FIG. 10 shows an alternate view of the coffee basket of FIG. 9

FIG. 11 shows one embodiment of a water sensor system.

FIG. 12 shows one embodiment of a low water sensor system.

FIG. 13 shows an alternate embodiment of a steam duct.

FIGS. 14-16 show various embodiments of a drip stop feature.

FIG. 17 shows one embodiments of a lever that may form part of a dripstop valve.

FIG. 18 shows a side perspective view of an alternate latch mechanismfor the water fill drawer.

FIG. 19 shows a side view of one embodiment of a coffee basket insert.

FIG. 20 shows a side view of a coffee basket having protrusions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide coffee makers designed forparticular use on board passenger transport vehicles and/or otherinstances where space is limited. Various embodiments of coffee makersdescribed herein are capable of using one or more alternate watersources.

The described embodiments are particularly useful for coffee makers thatare flush mounted in a galley and to which access to areas other thanthe face or front of the coffee maker is limited. Unlike a residentialor commercial coffee maker, there is traditionally no access to the topor sides of an aircraft (or other passenger vehicle) coffee maker. Forexample, catering equipment is normally installed in the aircraft galleyin close fitting compartments. Current aircraft coffee makers are thusdesigned to operate with potable water supplied by the pressurized watersystem on the aircraft, delivered directly to the coffee maker from therear of the unit, where the coffee maker communicates directly with theon-board water supply.

As shown in FIG. 1, a coffee maker 10 that is designed to be flushmounted will only allow access to the front surface 12 of the coffeemaker. The top 14 and side surfaces 16 are all designed to be mounted incabinetry or other closed openings, and are thus inaccessible duringuse. Coffee maker 10 is thus provided with a water fill drawer 18 on itsfront surface 12. Water fill drawer 18 is configured to be directlyaccessible from the front surface 12 of coffee maker 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, water fill drawer 18 is intended to open directlyoutwardly from the front surface 12 of coffee maker. It allows directaccess to the coffee maker for adding bottled water, filtered water, orother water from an outside source directly into the coffee maker, andprovides an alternative to using the vehicle's internal water lines tosupply the water. As shown in FIG. 3, water fill drawer 18 has a waterreceiving portion 20 and a drawer portion 22. Water receiving portion 20is shown having an optional grate 24 positioned therein, which isintended to prevent foreign articles from being introduced into thecoffee maker. Grate 24 has openings 26 through which water is allowed topass. The bottom part of drawer 18 is, of course, a solid portionwithout openings such that water poured into drawer 18 is containedtherein.

Water fill drawer 18 is mounted on a track system 28. In certainembodiments, water fill drawer 18 is mounted at a slightly backward ordownward angle (e.g., higher at the front surface of the coffee makerand lower at the rear portion), such that water poured into the drawer18 will flow back to water chamber or reservoir 30 via gravity.

The drawer portion 22 of the water fill drawer 18 has a secure closuresystem, such as a latch that will keep drawer closed and secured whennot in use. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, latch is shown as aspring/detent feature 32 that cooperates with a corresponding stop 34 onthe track 28. The spring portion 32 has a large radius so that as thedrawer 18 is being pushed back into place, the spring 32 draws thedrawer 18 closed. Cooperation between the spring 32 and the stop 34 maycreate a click sound, indicating that the drawer 18 is fully closed.FIG. 4 shows a top view of the drawer in a fully closed position. Anytype of spring latch may be used. One example of an alternate latch isshown in FIG. 18, which illustrates an angled securing flat spring latchmade out of tempered steel that cooperates with a portion of the drawer.Drawer 18 may also be provided with an external handle 36 that the usergrasps, pushes, or pulls in order to activate the drawer 18.

In an alternate embodiment, the drawer 18 may be designed as a push/pushdrawer. The push/push embodiment does not require an external handle,because the user can simply press on the external surface 38 of drawer18. As shown in FIG. 5, when a user presses on the drawer 18 from aclosed position, a push/push latch 40 located on an internal rearportion of the coffee maker springs in and presses the drawer 18 out.After water has been added, the user presses the drawer back in, and thepush/push latch 40 secures the drawer 18 in place.

One of the benefits of water fill drawer 18 being provided as a slidingdrawer that slides completely into the coffee maker after water has beenadded is that it remains covered during the coffee making process inuse, preventing the introduction of dust or other contaminants into thecoffee maker water reservoir 30. Additionally, the design allows thefront surface of the coffee maker to have a sleek appearance, free ofspouts or other external water source insertion features that have beenprovided on other attempted solutions.

An additional feature that various embodiments of coffee makersdescribed herein may have is a dual fill capability. As discussed above,traditional coffee makers installed on board aircraft are plumbed intoexisting water lines on board the aircraft in order to fill.Specifically, a button on the front of the coffee maker is activated andthe system pulls from the hot water tank(s) in order to providepressurized water that is forced through the system for brewing a fullpot of coffee. There is not currently a feature provided that allows anattendant to manually control how much water is delivered to the coffeemaker or to choose to fill the coffee maker with bottled water or waterfrom an external water source. Thus, in certain embodiments, coffeemaker 10 may be configured with a water fill drawer 18, allowing the useof an external water source, as well as a system that allows anattendant to use existing aircraft or vehicle water tanks to fill thecoffee maker.

In a specific embodiment, there is a sight gauge 42 provided on thefront of coffee maker. There is also a control mechanism 43 (such as abutton, lever, or switch) that allows an attendant to cause the coffeemaker to fill with water from the aircraft water tanks, but allows theattendant to manually determine the amount of water to be used. Forexample, an attendant may only wish to brew half of a pot of coffee. Inthe past, the pre-plumbed systems have always pulled the samepre-determined amount of water into the coffee maker, making thisimpossible. The present design allows the attendant to either fill thecoffee maker with the desired amount of water using water fill drawer 18or to activate control mechanism 43 and only fill to a desired level.This allows for brewing less than a full pot of coffee at a time. Thecontrol mechanism can either be a push-and-hold system that is pressedto fill (and released to stop filling) or it can work with a singlepush, which will indicate to the system to automatically fill to acertain capacity. In either embodiment, one back-up mechanism to preventoverfilling is shown in FIG. 11, which illustrates a system thatindicates to the coffee maker that the water reservoir is full. Thissystem may either be in the form of a float system or any othermechanism that is designed to indicate a specific water level.

A further improvement provided herein relates to coffee baskets designedfor use on board passenger transport vehicles, such as an aircraft.FIGS. 6-8 show embodiments of a coffee basket 44 that is designed to bepermanently attached to the coffee maker 10. Current on-board coffeemaker designs provide coffee baskets (also known as a brew cup or brewtray) that are removable or provided as a loose item, inserted into theequipment from the front and pushed rearward. Airline standards requirethat loose items have dual retention mechanisms in order to keep themstowed and to prevent them from becoming a projectile in the event ofturbulence. This can add to the expense of manufacturing such features.It is also inconvenient to have the entire basket be a removable item ina small galley space.

Accordingly, the coffee basket 44 shown in FIG. 7 is designed to bepermanently secured to the coffee maker. It cooperates against orotherwise slides on a permanent track 46 on coffee maker 10. Track 46 isprovided along one side 48 of coffee maker, although it should beunderstood that two tracks (one alongside each side of coffee maker) mayalso be provided. Tracks 46 keep the coffee basket 44 secured inside thehousing, preventing the need for any additional retention mechanisms. Asdiscussed above with respect to the water fill drawer, coffee basket 44may either be provided with a handle that can be pulled out and pushedin, with an accompanying locking feature, or may be provided with apush/push latch, which allows the basket 44 to extend from the coffeemaker and be secured flush against the coffee maker by a user's push.With either option, the brew basket 44 is securely retained in place,and it is always connected to the coffee maker housing.

Coffee brew basket 44 may additionally be provided with a rotating hinge50, which is designed to allow an extended coffee basket 44 to rotate orswing out to one side in order to allow clear access to basket 44. Inuse, coffee basket 44 slides out as far as possible on the track(s) 46,and is then rotated to the side. This allows the track to extend thecoffee basket out to its the complete length, and then the hingeprovides the remainder of the clearance. Alternatively, the track may belengthened with an extension arm so that it provides a telescopingmotion to extend so far out that the hinged rotation is not needed toprovide clear access to the basket 44.

The resulting system is generally a two-piece design featuring thecoffee basket 44, which is securely connected to the coffee maker 10 andwhich has an opening 54 therein to receive a filter basket portion 56.The filter basket portion 56 is generally removable and is designed toeither hold a separate coffee filter (e.g., a paper filter) or toprovide a reusable coffee filter itself. In use, the filter basketportion 56 is filled with coffee grounds, lowered into the opening 54 ofthe coffee brew basket 44, and the completed assembly is moved or swungclosed.

A further feature that may be provided on various coffee makersdescribed herein is a coffee basket that is specifically designed tobrew coffee using coffee-filled bags instead of coffee grounds. Manyairlines purchase coffee grounds that are pre-packaged in bags.Pressurized coffee makers generally provide enough pressure so thatwater enters pores of the bag and brews an acceptable pot of coffee.However, if the coffee maker does not use a pressurized system (such asthe external fill embodiments described herein), the coffee resultingfrom the use of such bags may be too weak because water does not fullypenetrate the bag. Accordingly, one coffee maker embodiment provides abasket 100 having an insert portion 86 that, in one embodiment, ishinged or is otherwise configured to and rotate or fold up and out ofthe basket 100. Examples of the cooperation between the insert portion86 and the coffee basket 100 are shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.

As shown in FIG. 19, insert portion 86 has an injector 92 positioned onits lower surface. Injector 92 is designed to press against the surfaceof a coffee bag in order to ensure that water flows directly into thebag. Injector has a slightly recessed water release portion 94. In use,the outer perimeter of the injector 92 presses into the coffee bag andcreates a small space between the perimeter and the recessed waterrelease portion 94. Insert 86 also features angled surfaces 96. It isbelieved that these angled surface provide space for the coffee bag toexpand during the brewing process. One or more holes 98 may also beprovided at or near the upper edge of the insert 86, which allows anyexcess water in the insert 86 to drain out and into the coffee basket100, preventing the insert from overflowing.

Referring now to FIG. 20, basket 100 also features one or moreprotrusions 104 (also shown ion FIG. 10) that extend up from the base ofthe basket, which form valley spaces therebetween to allow coffee todrain. A coffee bag may be placed in the space 106 between theprotrusions 104 and the insert 86, which helps ensure the coffee bag isin appropriate contact with the water flowing through the system.Various examples of such baskets and insert portions are shown in FIGS.9-10 and 19-20. It should be understood that these features may be usedalone or in conjunction with other features described herein.

A further feature provided by various embodiments of the coffee makersdescribed herein is a low water float switch. One of the shortcomings oftraditional on-board coffee makers is that when the reservoir isemptied, there is a certain amount of steam that is generated as thelast bit of water is boiled out of the coffee maker heater. This isparticularly undesirable on an aircraft or other passenger transportvehicle because the appearance of steam in an aircraft galley can causepassenger concern, can generate unnecessary heat for those in closeproximity, can increase the possibility of user burns, and is a waste ofvaluable energy. Accordingly, various embodiments of the coffee makersdescribed feature a low water sensor system.

As shown in FIG. 12, a low water sensor system 58 may be located insidethe water reservoir 30. Low water sensor system 58 is designed toanticipate the end of the brew cycle and to allow the coffee maker tocool down and/or stop just as the brew cycle is finishing. The systemcan be set by the user or pre-configured with factory settings to detectlow water or a specific water level in the reservoir. When triggered bythe low water level, the system automatically stops the cycle and turnsoff the heater upon reaching the specified water level. Rather thanhaving to overheat in order for the thermostat to activate and shut thecoffee maker off, the low water sensor system design enablesconservation of energy and prevents unwanted and unnecessary dissipationof heat and steam.

In the embodiment shown, low water sensor system 58 may feature a lowwater float 60 that is configured to indicate the presence of low water,which triggers the system to shut off the coffee maker heater once thewater level reaches a certain low point. The float 60 is initiallypositioned in a high (or full) position in the reservoir 30 when thereservoir is full or when a minimum amount of water is present. When thefloat 60 is in the high position, the coffee maker may be in a “ready”or “brew” position. As the water level in the reservoir 30 moves down,the float 60 moves down with the water level (although in someembodiments, the overall distance that float moves can be very small).Once the water and the float 60 reach a certain point (e.g., one inch ofwater left in the water reservoir or some other appropriate low level inthe reservoir), the system sends a signal to the coffee maker heater toturn off. This allows the system to finish brewing with the remainingavailable water and complete the brew cycle before overheating andgenerating additional steam.

The low water sensor system 58 may alternatively be a conducting sensor,an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or any other system that candetect a water level and send a related signal to the coffee makercircuitry to shut off once a certain water level is reached.

The lower water sensor system acts as a low water detector, andaccordingly, it may also be used to prevent a user from turning on thecoffee maker with an empty or low water tank. This system can eliminatethe need for heater thermostats.

A further feature that may be provided by various coffee makerembodiments described herein is a steam management or diversion feature.As discussed above, the presence of steam in an aircraft galley can bedisconcerting and uncomfortable. As such, various embodiments describedherein are designed to remove excess steam from the brew tray and directis elsewhere in the system.

In one embodiment, coffee maker 10 is provided with one or more steamducts 62 configured to trap steam that builds up in the brew tray anddirect it back to the water reservoir 30. The reservoir 30 initiallyholds cold water for brewing, but once the brewing cycle is complete,the reservoir is empty (or at least, no longer completely full). Anexample of one embodiment of a steam duct 62 is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.The duct 62 captures steam before it leaves the coffee maker 10 andre-routes it back to the reservoir 30 (although it should be understoodthat it is also possible for steam ducts to re-route steam back to otherareas of the coffee maker or to other ducting systems on board thevehicle). The generated and re-routed steam is allowed to condense inthe water reservoir 30 so that at least most of the steam that wouldhave otherwise been ejected from the system into the galley or the areaexternal to the coffee maker is captured and reused.

An alternate steam duct may be designed to have a heat exchangercomponent 64 within or mounted on the steam duct in order to condenseeven more air/steam that passes through the system. An example is shownin FIG. 13. A fan may also be provided in order to increase theefficiency of the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger 64 can condense theair/steam before it is delivered to the reservoir, which can help reducethe condensing load on the reservoir.

A further feature that may be provided is a drip stop feature, as shownin FIGS. 14-17 and 9-10. This feature allows a user to pull the coffeepot 80 out while the coffee maker is brewing and prevents drips. Whenthe pot 80 is removed, a valve 82 in the coffee basket is closed, whichstops the flow of coffee and prevents drips and other messes. In aspecific embodiment as shown in FIG. 17, the valve 82 comprises twocurved legs 84, which are mounted on a hinged element 86. Removal of thecoffee pot 80 causes hinged element 86 to snap up and close the bottomportion 88 of the brew tray, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. Bottom portion88 may be a separate element that is secured to brew tray by a spring90.

The drip stop feature may work with coffee pots having lids or withcoffee pots without lids, directly from catering services. These coffeepots are generally stainless steel and have a lip, raised rim, orflanged ring around the opening Drip stop valve 82 is sloped so that isacts against the rim or ring of the coffee pot if a lid is not in place.

Changes and modifications, additions and deletions may be made to thestructures and methods recited above and shown in the drawings withoutdeparting from the scope or spirit of the invention and the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A coffee maker configured for use on board apassenger transport vehicle, comprising: (a) a water reservoir; (b) awater fill drawer that directs water poured into the drawer to the waterreservoir, (c) a track system on which the water fill drawer cooperates,(d) a secure closure system for securing the water fill drawer whenclosed; (e) a coffee basket securable with respect to the coffee maker;and (f) a steam duct that is separate from a water delivery line thatdelivers water from the reservoir to the coffee basket for brewing, thesteam duct mounted above and not in contact with water located in thecoffee basket and the water reservoir and that traps steam built up inthe coffee basket and directs the steam to the water reservoir forcondensing.
 2. The coffee maker of claim 1, wherein the water filldrawer comprises a grate.
 3. The coffee maker of claim 1, wherein thesecure closure system comprises a spring detent feature, a flat spring,or a push/push latch.
 4. The coffee maker of claim 1, wherein the waterfill drawer cooperates with the track system at a downward angle suchthat water entering the water fill drawer is directed via gravity backtoward the water reservoir of the coffee maker.
 5. The coffee maker ofclaim 1, wherein the coffee basket comprises an insert portion having aninjector, such that the coffee basket is configured to brew usingpre-packaged coffee bags.
 6. The coffee maker of claim 1, wherein thecoffee basket is secured to the coffee maker via a rotating hinge. 7.The coffee maker of claim 6, wherein the coffee basket is configured tobe pulled horizontally out along a second track system and rotatedsideways on the rotating hinge.
 8. The coffee maker of claim 1, furthercomprising: a low water sensor system configured to sense a low watercondition and activate a shut off feature.
 9. The coffee maker of claim8, comprising a low water float.
 10. The coffee maker of claim 1,further comprising a drip stop valve comprising one or more curvedlevers.
 11. The coffee maker of claim 1, wherein coffee basket is usedin conjunction with an insert, the insert comprising an injectorconfigured to contact a coffee bag and deliver water thereto.
 12. Thecoffee maker of claim 1, wherein the closure system is positioned alongthe track system or at a rear of the coffee maker.
 13. The coffee makerof claim 1, wherein the coffee basket comprises a separate insertportion having angled side surfaces and an injector positioned on alower surface, the injector comprising a recessed water release portion,such that when the insert portion is positioned within the coffeebasket, the injector presses into a pre-packaged coffee bag.